Mozambique Coastal Explorer

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Maputo

Day 2. Maputo - Chidenguele or Bilene
After meeting the group and your guide in Maputo, we head northeast into the Xai Xai District travelling through the coconut and sugar plantations of rural Mozambique. Along the way, we will see cashew nut sellers, locals going about their lives in small villages, open land and roaming livestock. Following the East Coast of Africa, we reach after three hours drive our first stop at Chidenguele. Overnight at Paraiso De Chidenguele Resort or similar.
Depending on the time of arrival we may have to overnight in Bilene, which is closer to Maputo at Shongili Lodge or similar-/-/-

Day 3. Chidenguele - Praia da Barra (Inhambane)
Today we continue to the North, following the East Coast of Africa and we reach our resort at Barra beach (Praia da Barra), near the historic town of Inhambane. Settle in and take a stroll on the palm-fringed beach or your first dip in the Indian Ocean. This evening we can experience a traditional Mozambiquan dinner to sample the famous local flavours and fresh seafood at one of Mozambique’s best restaurants – The Green Turtle.
We spend the next two nights staying at Bayview Lodge hotel or equal. B/-/-

Day 4. Praia da Barra
A free day to enjoy laid-back hours on the picturesque beaches, swimming and exploring or doing some optional activities including watersports and land-based adventure activities - from scuba diving and snorkelling to horse riding and quad biking. B/-/-

Day 5. Praia da Barra - Vilanculos
On the way to Vilanculos today we stop off in the charming town of Inhambane, with its tree-lined avenues and old colonial Portuguese buildings. One of the oldest settlements on the east coast, here Arabic, Indian, African and European influences blend together in a vibrant mix. We continue to Vilanculos, a laidback town featuring some lovely beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is stocked with all the amenities needed for a fantastic seaside holiday. For the next 2 nights we will stay at Casa Cabana Beach hotel or equal. B/-/-

Days 6. Vilanculos - Bazaruto Archipelago - Vilanculos
The lively seaside town of Vilanculos is ideally located for exploring the three main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago (Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque), lying just off the mainland of Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago is Mozambique’s premier travel destination - a tropical beach paradise with clear turquoise waters and palm fringed islands. As a protected area, the reefs are pristine and the sea life here is spectacular. This cluster of five unspoiled tropical islands is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Mozambique’s only marine reserve, Bazaruto is world-renowned for its superb diving and snorkelling given the abundant sea creatures inhabiting its intact reefs. Marine life includes an impressive variety of tropical fish, whales and dolphins, as well as the rare Dugong (sea cow) and Nile crocodiles. Some of the aquatic creatures sighted on dives include whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, lobsters, barracuda, clown fish, Moorish idols and mackerel. Antelopes, Samango monkeys and around 180 bird species also inhabit the Bazaruto islands. One day trip to Bazaruto on a speed boat including snorkeling and lunch. B/L/-

Day 7. Vilanculos - Chizavane
Today we head back to the South and after  four hours driving we reach the resort Nascer Do Sol, close to Chizavane, nestled in a cove with chalets overlooking the ocean. B/-/-

Day 8. Chizavane - Maputo. City tour.
Today we return to the capital Maputo after another 3-4 hours drive. A guided half-day tour, including stops at the Fortress, the Central Market, and the railway station. We will also pass by the Maputo City Hall, the Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the Iron House before checking in at our hotel for overnight. B/-/-

Day 9. Departure